Italian lawmakers have voted unanimously to make femicide – the gender-motivated killing of a woman – a separate criminal offense punishable by life imprisonment. The vote came on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, giving the law a strong symbolic resonance.
The debate over such a law had been going on for years, but the November 2023 murder of Giulia Cecchettin by her ex-boyfriend, an event that shocked Italy, spurred the country into action. Giulia, 22, was stabbed to death and her body was found wrapped in bags near a lake. The reaction of her sister Elena, who said the perpetrator was not a “monster” but “a healthy son of a patriarchal society,” sparked massive protests across the country.
Two years later, after a long and tense session, MPs approved the law categorizing femicide as a separate crime, placing Italy among the few EU countries – like Cyprus, Malta and Croatia – that have this definition in their criminal code.
The law proposed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was supported by both the majority and the opposition. Many deputies wore red signs and clothing in honor of the victims of the violence.
Under the new law, any murder of a woman committed "as an act of hatred, discrimination, domination, control or subjugation of her as a woman", as well as murders that occur after the breakdown of a relationship or to limit her personal freedoms, will be classified as femicide and will be automatically punishable by life imprisonment.
The latest data shows that 116 women were murdered in Italy last year, of which 106 murders were gender-motivated.
Gjino Cecchettin, Giulia's father, says he doesn't know if the law would have saved his daughter, as her perpetrator received a life sentence anyway. But he believes naming the problem is important: "Now we can talk about it. It's a small step, but it's a step."
While he himself focuses on education, the Foundation created in his daughter's name calls for the introduction of emotional and sexual education in schools from an early age, to prevent stereotypes and harmful models of masculinity. However, this initiative has been opposed by far-right MPs, who only accept optional courses for older students.
The law has also drawn criticism. Law professor Valeria Torre calls it “a poisoned kebab” and argues that Italy has no legal loophole in protecting women. She sees the definition of femicide as vague and difficult to prove in court, especially when most murders are committed by partners or ex-partners.
On the other hand, women's rights organizations say the law should be accompanied by broader policies for gender equality. To highlight these problems, a new exhibition in Rome – the “Museum of Patriarchy” – presents different forms of violence and discrimination against women, hoping to stimulate social reflection.
The marathon session of parliament ended with applause, after all 237 deputies voted in favor. “This shows that the country has a common political will to combat violence against women,” said judge Paola di Nicola, the author of the law. “It is only the beginning, but Italy is finally confronting the roots of violence against women.”
